San Francisco Pride

Two men ride a motorcycle down Market Street during the annual gay pride parade in San Francisco. The annual parade draws hundreds of thousands of people to downtown San Francisco to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride. The rainbow flag, designed by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, symbolizes gay pride and the LGBT community's diversity.9601280

Two men ride a motorcycle down Market Street during the annual gay pride parade in San Francisco. The annual parade draws hundreds of thousands of people to downtown San Francisco to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride. The rainbow flag, designed by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, symbolizes gay pride and the LGBT community's diversity.

David Paul Morris/Getty Images

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

A parade goer, donned in a cheetah mask and feathers, poses prior to the start of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in Australia. The March event, which includes a parade, dance parties, fair and drag races, is one of Australia's biggest events, generating about $30 million for the state of New South Wales each year.9601280

A parade goer, donned in a cheetah mask and feathers, poses prior to the start of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in Australia. The March event, which includes a parade, dance parties, fair and drag races, is one of Australia's biggest events, generating about $30 million for the state of New South Wales each year.

Getty Images

EuroPride in Madrid

EuroPride in Madrid

Some people go all out for Gay Pride. Take a look at these people at the EuroPride parade in central Madrid. They show their pride by painting their bodies the colors of the rainbow flag. The first EuroPride event took place in London in 1992; the next occurs in Marseille in July 2013.9601280

Some people go all out for Gay Pride. Take a look at these people at the EuroPride parade in central Madrid. They show their pride by painting their bodies the colors of the rainbow flag. The first EuroPride event took place in London in 1992; the next occurs in Marseille in July 2013.

REUTERS/Susana Vera

NYC Pride

NYC Pride

A parade float commemorates the Stonewall riots, which erupted after a 1969 police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar on New York City's Christopher Street. The riots launched the gay-rights movement, and gave birth to the annual march that now includes 170 floats, thousands of marchers, supporters and spectators.9601280

A parade float commemorates the Stonewall riots, which erupted after a 1969 police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar on New York City's Christopher Street. The riots launched the gay-rights movement, and gave birth to the annual march that now includes 170 floats, thousands of marchers, supporters and spectators.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Amsterdam Gay Pride

Amsterdam Gay Pride

The Dutch LGBT community participates in the annual Gay Pride parade along the canals in Amsterdam. The city's Gay Pride celebration, held over the course of a week in August, includes separate parties and events for lesbians. Amsterdam's liberal reputation is one of the reasons why it's a top travel destination for thousands of gays and lesbians.9601280

The Dutch LGBT community participates in the annual Gay Pride parade along the canals in Amsterdam. The city's Gay Pride celebration, held over the course of a week in August, includes separate parties and events for lesbians. Amsterdam's liberal reputation is one of the reasons why it's a top travel destination for thousands of gays and lesbians.

Michel Porro/Getty Images

Pride Barcelona

Pride Barcelona

There's something for everyone at Pride Barcelona. Event organizers pack dozens of events into the 10-day celebration held in late June, including Pride Kids. The 2-day event is set up to provide children with the opportunity to play games and sports, and to participate in fun workshops and other activities.9601280

There's something for everyone at Pride Barcelona. Event organizers pack dozens of events into the 10-day celebration held in late June, including Pride Kids. The 2-day event is set up to provide children with the opportunity to play games and sports, and to participate in fun workshops and other activities.

REUTERS/Albert Gea

Christopher Street Day

Christopher Street Day

People in Berlin take Christopher Street Day (CSD) seriously. This woman celebrates Pride by dying her hair rainbow colors and shaving the letters C-S-D into her head. Germany and Switzerland call their Gay Pride event CSD in memory of the uprising of LGBT people against police assaults on NYC's Christopher Street in the 1960s.9601280

People in Berlin take Christopher Street Day (CSD) seriously. This woman celebrates Pride by dying her hair rainbow colors and shaving the letters C-S-D into her head. Germany and Switzerland call their Gay Pride event CSD in memory of the uprising of LGBT people against police assaults on NYC's Christopher Street in the 1960s.

Miguel Villagran/Getty Images

CSD Berlin

CSD Berlin

A group of men dance on top of a float during the Christopher Street Day parade in Berlin. Also known as Berlin Pride Celebration, the first CSDs took place in the city in 1979; today Berlin is the leading gay city in Europe, hosting 4 major gay festivals each year. 9601280

A group of men dance on top of a float during the Christopher Street Day parade in Berlin. Also known as Berlin Pride Celebration, the first CSDs took place in the city in 1979; today Berlin is the leading gay city in Europe, hosting 4 major gay festivals each year.

Miguel Villagran/Getty Images

Delhi Queer Pride

Delhi Queer Pride

Members of the LGBT community and supporters attend the 5th Delhi Queer Pride parade in November 2012 in New Delhi. Marching in solidarity, the LGBT community demanded equal rights -- something that has slowly begun to be realized in recent years: In July 2009, the High Court of Delhi repealed Article 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which had previously criminalized gay rights.9601280

Members of the LGBT community and supporters attend the 5th Delhi Queer Pride parade in November 2012 in New Delhi. Marching in solidarity, the LGBT community demanded equal rights -- something that has slowly begun to be realized in recent years: In July 2009, the High Court of Delhi repealed Article 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which had previously criminalized gay rights.

Virendra Singh Gosain/Hindustan Times via Getty Images

Pride London

Pride London

Drag queens get dolled up to participate in the annual Gay Pride street march through central London. The community, as well as celebrities and performers on floats, are all part of London's Gay Pride celebration, which in recent years has attracted some 1 million people, making it the UK's largest gay and lesbian festival.9601280

Drag queens get dolled up to participate in the annual Gay Pride street march through central London. The community, as well as celebrities and performers on floats, are all part of London's Gay Pride celebration, which in recent years has attracted some 1 million people, making it the UK's largest gay and lesbian festival.

Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Pride Toronto

Pride Toronto

The camera catches a gay couple sharing a special moment at Gay Pride in Toronto. Since the 1970s, Pride Toronto has grown to attract over 1 million people over the course of the 3-day festival, held in late June. The first economic impact study in 1996 showed that Pride tourists spent more than $46 million in Toronto.9601280

The camera catches a gay couple sharing a special moment at Gay Pride in Toronto. Since the 1970s, Pride Toronto has grown to attract over 1 million people over the course of the 3-day festival, held in late June. The first economic impact study in 1996 showed that Pride tourists spent more than $46 million in Toronto.

REUTERS/Mark Blinch

Tokyo Rainbow Pride

Tokyo Rainbow Pride

Participants in the Tokyo Rainbow Pride parade march through the streets of Tokyo’s Shibuya district in April 2013. The parade celebrates the diversity of Japan’s LGBT community; organizers estimated about 12,000 people participated in this year’s inaugural parade. 9601280

Participants in the Tokyo Rainbow Pride parade march through the streets of Tokyo’s Shibuya district in April 2013. The parade celebrates the diversity of Japan’s LGBT community; organizers estimated about 12,000 people participated in this year’s inaugural parade.

Keith Tsuji/Getty Images

Marriage Equality in France

Marriage Equality in France

People hold rainbow flags to celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriage in France. After months of debate and hundreds of protests, France's National Assembly approved same-sex marriage on April 23, 2013, becoming the 14th country to do so.9601280

People hold rainbow flags to celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriage in France. After months of debate and hundreds of protests, France's National Assembly approved same-sex marriage on April 23, 2013, becoming the 14th country to do so.

KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images

Sao Paulo Gay Pride

Sao Paulo Gay Pride

Each year thousands of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people walk down Paulista Avenue for the annual Gay Pride parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Held in early June, the 17th annual parade attracted nearly 4 million people in 2013, making it the biggest gay parade in the world.9601280

Each year thousands of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people walk down Paulista Avenue for the annual Gay Pride parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Held in early June, the 17th annual parade attracted nearly 4 million people in 2013, making it the biggest gay parade in the world.

NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images

Puerto Rico Pride

Puerto Rico Pride

People march during the annual gay pride parade in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 2013 brought extra reason to celebrate: The Puerto Rican House of Representatives approved bills in late May that protect LGBT people in employment, housing, governmental services and public accommodations. The new measures also add sexual orientation to Puerto Rico’s domestic violence laws.9601280

People march during the annual gay pride parade in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 2013 brought extra reason to celebrate: The Puerto Rican House of Representatives approved bills in late May that protect LGBT people in employment, housing, governmental services and public accommodations. The new measures also add sexual orientation to Puerto Rico’s domestic violence laws.

David Gasser/LatinContent/Getty Images

Bangalore Pride

Bangalore Pride

Members of the LGBT community take part in the Bangalore “Queer Pride” Parade in December 2012. The fifth-annual parade, held in India’s third most populous city, drew more than 1,000 people last year. The celebration was organized by the Coalition for Sexual Minority Rights (CSMR), a group of lawyers and human-rights activists who first rallied together in response to police harassment of gay individuals in the city.9601280

Members of the LGBT community take part in the Bangalore “Queer Pride” Parade in December 2012. The fifth-annual parade, held in India’s third most populous city, drew more than 1,000 people last year. The celebration was organized by the Coalition for Sexual Minority Rights (CSMR), a group of lawyers and human-rights activists who first rallied together in response to police harassment of gay individuals in the city.

Manjunath Kiran/AFP/Getty Images

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Wiener Christkindlmarkt Travel to Vienna, Austria, to explore the Wiener Christkinlmarkt. This traditional Christmas market, located in City Hall Square, has 145 stalls selling spiced wine, gingerbread, unique arts and crafts and much more.9601280

Wiener Christkindlmarkt Travel to Vienna, Austria, to explore the Wiener Christkinlmarkt. This traditional Christmas market, located in City Hall Square, has 145 stalls selling spiced wine, gingerbread, unique arts and crafts and much more.

Wiener Christkindlmarkt

Christmas Mariachi Festival

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Christmas Mariachi FestivalMariachi bands heat things up in Phoenix, AZ, during the holidays. This annual festival features the best, well-known mariachi singers and bands from Latin America, including Jose Feliciano and Vikki Carr.9601280

Christmas Mariachi FestivalMariachi bands heat things up in Phoenix, AZ, during the holidays. This annual festival features the best, well-known mariachi singers and bands from Latin America, including Jose Feliciano and Vikki Carr.

Christmas Mariachi Festival

Miami's White Party Week

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White Party Week Experience the Miami Beach lifestyle, and enjoy good food and drink during 6 days of all-male and all-female parties, including the Women’s White Party Weekend. Party-goers spend money that goes to Care Resource, a organization that funds multiple HIV/AIDS programs.9601280

White Party Week Experience the Miami Beach lifestyle, and enjoy good food and drink during 6 days of all-male and all-female parties, including the Women’s White Party Weekend. Party-goers spend money that goes to Care Resource, a organization that funds multiple HIV/AIDS programs.

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Chicago's Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights

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Magnificent Mile Festival of LightsIf you’re visiting Chicago during the holidays, check out this illuminated festival. It’s known for its holiday-inspired store window displays, and its star-studded Disney procession on opening day. Be sure to get a front row seat to see the parade, live music and fireworks.9601280

Magnificent Mile Festival of LightsIf you’re visiting Chicago during the holidays, check out this illuminated festival. It’s known for its holiday-inspired store window displays, and its star-studded Disney procession on opening day. Be sure to get a front row seat to see the parade, live music and fireworks.

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Key West Sushi DropCelebrate your New Year’s Eve in Key West, watching a campy, extravagantly dressed drag queen being lowered from the Bourbon Street Pub, in a large, red, high-heel shoe. Once the drag queen has dropped, ring in the New Year at the fabulous block party.9601280

Key West Sushi DropCelebrate your New Year’s Eve in Key West, watching a campy, extravagantly dressed drag queen being lowered from the Bourbon Street Pub, in a large, red, high-heel shoe. Once the drag queen has dropped, ring in the New Year at the fabulous block party.

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Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival

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Harbin International Ice and Snow FestivalIt’s 1 of the largest ice festivals in the world, and it attracts 1,000s of people to Northeastern China, to see snow carvings, ice sculptures, fireworks. There’s also skiing, ice sliding and swimming, for those who can take the chilly, subzero dip in the Songhua River.9601280

Harbin International Ice and Snow FestivalIt’s 1 of the largest ice festivals in the world, and it attracts 1,000s of people to Northeastern China, to see snow carvings, ice sculptures, fireworks. There’s also skiing, ice sliding and swimming, for those who can take the chilly, subzero dip in the Songhua River.

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Taste of Christmas

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Taste of ChristmasThis annual event in London has the UK’s leading chefs demonstrate their techniques for holiday food preparation. There are also special tasting workshops for wine, cheese and chocolate.9601280

Taste of ChristmasThis annual event in London has the UK’s leading chefs demonstrate their techniques for holiday food preparation. There are also special tasting workshops for wine, cheese and chocolate.

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Pink Christmas Hit the ice skating rink donned in gay apparel. Amsterdam’s Pink Christmas festival is a special holiday celebration for the LGBT community. Some of the events and activities include ice skating at Rembradtplein, a catwalk fashion show on Zeedijk Street and discounts at local gay bars and shops.9601280

Pink Christmas Hit the ice skating rink donned in gay apparel. Amsterdam’s Pink Christmas festival is a special holiday celebration for the LGBT community. Some of the events and activities include ice skating at Rembradtplein, a catwalk fashion show on Zeedijk Street and discounts at local gay bars and shops.

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Sydney, AustraliaSydney, has 6 gay-friendly beaches that have become popular LGBT destinations, including North Bondi Beach, Bronte Beach and Tamarama Beach. Obelisk Beach and Lady Jane Beach are popular, secluded spots for nude sunbathers. Water taxis are provided as transportation to Obelisk Beach, and during the summer, expect frequent visits from one of the famous Sydney Harbor Ice Cream Boats to help keep things cool.9601280

Sydney, AustraliaSydney, has 6 gay-friendly beaches that have become popular LGBT destinations, including North Bondi Beach, Bronte Beach and Tamarama Beach. Obelisk Beach and Lady Jane Beach are popular, secluded spots for nude sunbathers. Water taxis are provided as transportation to Obelisk Beach, and during the summer, expect frequent visits from one of the famous Sydney Harbor Ice Cream Boats to help keep things cool.

Thinkstock

Cancun, Mexico

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Cancun, MexicoCancun is a hot beach destination for spring breakers, but it’s also the location of a popular gay beach, Playa Delfines. The water is generally treacherous to swim in, but the white sand is perfect for sunning and the view is incredible. This beach is also popular for surfing, and a great place to take surfing lessons. Gay couples and singles enjoy Playa Delfines, and it has become known unofficially as the gay beach in Cancun.9601280

Cancun, MexicoCancun is a hot beach destination for spring breakers, but it’s also the location of a popular gay beach, Playa Delfines. The water is generally treacherous to swim in, but the white sand is perfect for sunning and the view is incredible. This beach is also popular for surfing, and a great place to take surfing lessons. Gay couples and singles enjoy Playa Delfines, and it has become known unofficially as the gay beach in Cancun.

Getty

Maui, Hawaii

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Maui, HawaiiWe’d be remised if we didn’t have at least 1 Hawaiian beach on our list. Gay and lesbians converge on “Little Beach” in Makena State Park, located about 1 mile past the Maui Prince Hotel. This beach is so secluded that you have to hike up and over a lava-flow trail to get to it, but it won’t be hard to miss. You're first clue will be spotting the gays free-balling in the Hawaiian sun.9601280

Maui, HawaiiWe’d be remised if we didn’t have at least 1 Hawaiian beach on our list. Gay and lesbians converge on “Little Beach” in Makena State Park, located about 1 mile past the Maui Prince Hotel. This beach is so secluded that you have to hike up and over a lava-flow trail to get to it, but it won’t be hard to miss. You're first clue will be spotting the gays free-balling in the Hawaiian sun.

Thinkstock

Lighthouse on Fire Island, New York

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Fire Island, New YorkHead to Fire Island’s Pines Beach, if you’re looking for a fun party beach with gay-friendly shopping, hotels, vacation rentals and a vibrant nightlife. The island, adjacent to the south shore of Long Island, is packed with eye candy. Nudity is allowed on the shore, but most guys enjoy sporting their fabulous new Speedos. The island plays host to several LGBT events, including the multi-cultural Fire Island Black Out in Cherry Grove.9601280

Fire Island, New YorkHead to Fire Island’s Pines Beach, if you’re looking for a fun party beach with gay-friendly shopping, hotels, vacation rentals and a vibrant nightlife. The island, adjacent to the south shore of Long Island, is packed with eye candy. Nudity is allowed on the shore, but most guys enjoy sporting their fabulous new Speedos. The island plays host to several LGBT events, including the multi-cultural Fire Island Black Out in Cherry Grove.

Thinkstock

Tel Aviv, Israel

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Tel Aviv, IsraelTel Aviv is famous for its never-ending beach line. Fourteen kilometers of blue sea, open horizon, sun and lots of people, make it the perfect beach destination. The city has a few gay-friendly beaches, including Ga’ash nude beach, a popular gay beach outside of Tel Aviv. Visit Hilton Beach if nude sunbathing isn’t your thing. It’s a little strip beach located near the Hilton Hotel. This beach is the perfect place to get both a tan and a hot tanned guy. Just try not to get burned.9601280

Tel Aviv, IsraelTel Aviv is famous for its never-ending beach line. Fourteen kilometers of blue sea, open horizon, sun and lots of people, make it the perfect beach destination. The city has a few gay-friendly beaches, including Ga’ash nude beach, a popular gay beach outside of Tel Aviv. Visit Hilton Beach if nude sunbathing isn’t your thing. It’s a little strip beach located near the Hilton Hotel. This beach is the perfect place to get both a tan and a hot tanned guy. Just try not to get burned.

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Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Fort Lauderdale, FloridaKnown as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale is where the boys are. Sebastian Street Gay Beach, located near most of the gay resorts, is one of the most popular beach destinations for gay tourists. Along with dozens of gay-friendly shops along the beach, the city also thrives with fun gay bars and restaurants, like Hamburger Mary’s, a great place to start or end the night.9601280

Fort Lauderdale, FloridaKnown as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale is where the boys are. Sebastian Street Gay Beach, located near most of the gay resorts, is one of the most popular beach destinations for gay tourists. Along with dozens of gay-friendly shops along the beach, the city also thrives with fun gay bars and restaurants, like Hamburger Mary’s, a great place to start or end the night.

Thinkstock

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

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Vancouver, British ColumbiaVancouver has a couple beaches that attract a LGBT crowd. English Bay Beach, pictured here, is located on the city’s West End, close to the Davie Street Gay Village. Sunset Beach and Wreck Beach are 2 alternate beach options. However, a little hike is required to reach secluded Wreck Beach, where nudity is permitted. Take the path marked, Trail No. 7, to get there. The gays converge on the area south of the North Arm Breakwater.9601280

Vancouver, British ColumbiaVancouver has a couple beaches that attract a LGBT crowd. English Bay Beach, pictured here, is located on the city’s West End, close to the Davie Street Gay Village. Sunset Beach and Wreck Beach are 2 alternate beach options. However, a little hike is required to reach secluded Wreck Beach, where nudity is permitted. Take the path marked, Trail No. 7, to get there. The gays converge on the area south of the North Arm Breakwater.

Kenny Louie, Flickr

Manual Antonio, Costa Rica

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Manuel Antonio, Costa RicaEco-friendly Costa Rica has long been a vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts, but it also has a popular gay beach, Manuel Antonio’s Playita Beach. La Playita, aka Playa Dulce Vida, is a semi-private beach, accessible by climbing over large rocks north of Playa Espadilla. Just don’t get trapped during high tide. And just so you know, there’s no nude sunbathing in Costa Rica. After having some fun in the sun, grab a drink at Bar Tutu or the Liquid Lounge. By the way, there are gay-friendly vacation rentals and hotels available in the area.9601280

Manuel Antonio, Costa RicaEco-friendly Costa Rica has long been a vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts, but it also has a popular gay beach, Manuel Antonio’s Playita Beach. La Playita, aka Playa Dulce Vida, is a semi-private beach, accessible by climbing over large rocks north of Playa Espadilla. Just don’t get trapped during high tide. And just so you know, there’s no nude sunbathing in Costa Rica. After having some fun in the sun, grab a drink at Bar Tutu or the Liquid Lounge. By the way, there are gay-friendly vacation rentals and hotels available in the area.

Jack_g, Flickr

Miami Beach, Miami

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Miami Beach, Florida South Beach, or SoBe, conjures up images of sunny days at the beach, a continuous flow of sexy men and women, high-end shopping on Lincoln Road, fine dining on Ocean Drive and nonstop nights of partying at popular gay bars and clubs, like Twist, Score, Palace and Mova. Every year, SoBe plays host to the world-renowned White Party in November and in March, the Winter Party, the biggest gay beach party in North America. Check out Miami’s Haulover Beach if you’re looking for a nude beach.9601280

Miami Beach, Florida South Beach, or SoBe, conjures up images of sunny days at the beach, a continuous flow of sexy men and women, high-end shopping on Lincoln Road, fine dining on Ocean Drive and nonstop nights of partying at popular gay bars and clubs, like Twist, Score, Palace and Mova. Every year, SoBe plays host to the world-renowned White Party in November and in March, the Winter Party, the biggest gay beach party in North America. Check out Miami’s Haulover Beach if you’re looking for a nude beach.

Ann Baekken, Flickr

Brighton, East Sussex, England

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Brighton, East Sussex, EnglandBrighton is the UK’s gay capital. The town’s seafront has bars, restaurants, nightclubs and amusement arcades between the piers. Brighton Beach has a nudist area, south of the easterly part of Kemptown, aka the “gay village.” West Beach, Telscombe Cliffs, Duke’s Mound and Shoreham are a few hot beach spots. Visit Brighton, and find out why the bohemian atmosphere of this beach town has led to the largest LGBT crowds in the UK.9601280

Brighton, East Sussex, EnglandBrighton is the UK’s gay capital. The town’s seafront has bars, restaurants, nightclubs and amusement arcades between the piers. Brighton Beach has a nudist area, south of the easterly part of Kemptown, aka the “gay village.” West Beach, Telscombe Cliffs, Duke’s Mound and Shoreham are a few hot beach spots. Visit Brighton, and find out why the bohemian atmosphere of this beach town has led to the largest LGBT crowds in the UK.

Matt Batchelor, Flickr

Ibiza, Spain

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Ibiza, SpainStraight or gay, everyone knows about the small island of Ibiza’s reputation as a party haven, but it’s also known for its beaches, each with its own distinctive beauty. Figueretes, the town beach, is for sunbathers who enjoy a low-key crowd and calm sea. Es Cavallet, located on the southern side of the island, is the main gay beach, where nudity is welcomed. Visit Cala Conta for stunning sunset views. Port Des Torrent is perfect for gay couples, and Ses Salinas is known for its diverse crowd and great beach bars.9601280

Ibiza, SpainStraight or gay, everyone knows about the small island of Ibiza’s reputation as a party haven, but it’s also known for its beaches, each with its own distinctive beauty. Figueretes, the town beach, is for sunbathers who enjoy a low-key crowd and calm sea. Es Cavallet, located on the southern side of the island, is the main gay beach, where nudity is welcomed. Visit Cala Conta for stunning sunset views. Port Des Torrent is perfect for gay couples, and Ses Salinas is known for its diverse crowd and great beach bars.

Getty

Provincetown, Massachusetts

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Provincetown, MassachusettsProvincetown, a gay and lesbian resort community at the tip of Cape Cod, ranks among the world’s great seaside vacation destinations. Along with hosting its annual Gay Pride celebration, P’town continues to improve with more upscale inns, fine art galleries and superb restaurants. Peak season for the New England town is usually July through August. Stay in the town’s West End, go for a fun bike ride and go sunbathing on Herring Cove Beach or Race Point Beach.9601280

Provincetown, MassachusettsProvincetown, a gay and lesbian resort community at the tip of Cape Cod, ranks among the world’s great seaside vacation destinations. Along with hosting its annual Gay Pride celebration, P’town continues to improve with more upscale inns, fine art galleries and superb restaurants. Peak season for the New England town is usually July through August. Stay in the town’s West End, go for a fun bike ride and go sunbathing on Herring Cove Beach or Race Point Beach.

Harvey Barrison, Flickr

Sitges, Spain

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Sitges, SpainSitges’ Playa de la Bassa Rodona, is increasingly becoming a straight beach, but it is packed with gay men during the peak season. It’s not difficult to miss the bronzed bodies, skintight Speedos and the designer glasses. This beach is located below the Picnic Restaurant and across from Hotel Calipolis. Nude sunbathers looking for more privacy should head to Playa del Muerto or Playa de las Balmins. Visit Barcelona's Barcelonetta Beach if you're looking for a quick day trip. Barcelona is only a 45-minute train ride away from Sitges.9601280

Sitges, SpainSitges’ Playa de la Bassa Rodona, is increasingly becoming a straight beach, but it is packed with gay men during the peak season. It’s not difficult to miss the bronzed bodies, skintight Speedos and the designer glasses. This beach is located below the Picnic Restaurant and across from Hotel Calipolis. Nude sunbathers looking for more privacy should head to Playa del Muerto or Playa de las Balmins. Visit Barcelona's Barcelonetta Beach if you're looking for a quick day trip. Barcelona is only a 45-minute train ride away from Sitges.

Kwin Mosby

Cape Town, South Africa

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Cape Town, South AfricaMost people know about Cape Town's turbulent history, but few people know about Clifton, the small, affluent suburb located outside of the city. There are 4 beaches, but the Clifton 3rd Beach has become the popular spot for gay sunbathers, primarily men. This paradise beach is a great spot to watch the sun set in the summer, but be mindful of the no-public-drinking policy. It's strictly monitored, so don't say you weren't warned.9601280

Cape Town, South AfricaMost people know about Cape Town's turbulent history, but few people know about Clifton, the small, affluent suburb located outside of the city. There are 4 beaches, but the Clifton 3rd Beach has become the popular spot for gay sunbathers, primarily men. This paradise beach is a great spot to watch the sun set in the summer, but be mindful of the no-public-drinking policy. It's strictly monitored, so don't say you weren't warned.

Getty

San Diego, California

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San Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego is a beach city, and Black’s Beach is the popular beach hangout for gay travelers. This is 1 of the oldest nude beaches in the US. The expansive beach has room for everyone, and even the dolphins and seals make an appearance off shore. San Diegans are friendly, and seem to know each other, stopping for naked chats on the beach. The muscled surfers don’t seem to mind laying out nude either. Just a word of caution, the climb, from the beach back up the cliffs, is a tough hike.9601280

San Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego is a beach city, and Black’s Beach is the popular beach hangout for gay travelers. This is 1 of the oldest nude beaches in the US. The expansive beach has room for everyone, and even the dolphins and seals make an appearance off shore. San Diegans are friendly, and seem to know each other, stopping for naked chats on the beach. The muscled surfers don’t seem to mind laying out nude either. Just a word of caution, the climb, from the beach back up the cliffs, is a tough hike.

Thinkstock

Elia Beach in Mykonos, Greece

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Mykonos, GreeceMykonos has become a well-known spot for beach lovers and party-goers. The Greek island’s Elia Beach is probably 1 of the queerest stretch of sand in the Mediterranean. It’s a United Nations of gays from all over the world, basking in lounge chairs, while sipping cocktails and gazing at the electric-blue waters. Just a word of caution, but it may be wise to plan ahead. Taxis may be hard to come by, and buses and ferries stop at relatively early hours.9601280

Mykonos, GreeceMykonos has become a well-known spot for beach lovers and party-goers. The Greek island’s Elia Beach is probably 1 of the queerest stretch of sand in the Mediterranean. It’s a United Nations of gays from all over the world, basking in lounge chairs, while sipping cocktails and gazing at the electric-blue waters. Just a word of caution, but it may be wise to plan ahead. Taxis may be hard to come by, and buses and ferries stop at relatively early hours.

Glen Scarborough, Flickr

Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Rio is the hot spot for some the sexiest sunbathers in the world. We know all about the popularity of Copacabana Beach, but Ipanema Beach, pictured, is what’s really hot! Ipanema’s gay spot, Farme Gay Beach, is a little to the east of Rua Farme de Amoedo. It’s the best place to make friends with the locals outside of the bar and club scene. Party promoters often distribute flyers with discounts to gay parties and clubs. After the beach, head to the popular hangout, Cafeína e Tô nem Aí, for a beer or a snack.9601280

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Rio is the hot spot for some the sexiest sunbathers in the world. We know all about the popularity of Copacabana Beach, but Ipanema Beach, pictured, is what’s really hot! Ipanema’s gay spot, Farme Gay Beach, is a little to the east of Rua Farme de Amoedo. It’s the best place to make friends with the locals outside of the bar and club scene. Party promoters often distribute flyers with discounts to gay parties and clubs. After the beach, head to the popular hangout, Cafeína e Tô nem Aí, for a beer or a snack.

Mike Vondran, Flickr

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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Puerto Vallarta, MexicoPuerto Vallarta is already a hot spot for thousands of sunbathers, but the hot spot for the LGBT crowd is on the south end of Playa Los Muertos Beach. The flirty interplay, between the mostly Mexican locals and gay visitors from around the globe, is always fun to watch.9601280

Puerto Vallarta, MexicoPuerto Vallarta is already a hot spot for thousands of sunbathers, but the hot spot for the LGBT crowd is on the south end of Playa Los Muertos Beach. The flirty interplay, between the mostly Mexican locals and gay visitors from around the globe, is always fun to watch.

Thinkstock

Nice, France

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Nice, FranceThis is not the typical gay destination in Europe, but it is slowly becoming a popular spot. Nice is now the 2nd most visited city in France for gay tourists, after Paris, and with more than 35 gay outlets, we're sure there’s something for everyone. In addition the vibrant gay and lesbian club scene, this beach town has several museums, high-end shops, a famous flower market, and it plays host to the annual Pink Parade. Nice has a gay and gay-friendly beach, Coco Beach and Castel Plage, respectively. For adventurous sunbathers, there are 2 more gay beaches located outside of the small French town.9601280

Nice, FranceThis is not the typical gay destination in Europe, but it is slowly becoming a popular spot. Nice is now the 2nd most visited city in France for gay tourists, after Paris, and with more than 35 gay outlets, we're sure there’s something for everyone. In addition the vibrant gay and lesbian club scene, this beach town has several museums, high-end shops, a famous flower market, and it plays host to the annual Pink Parade. Nice has a gay and gay-friendly beach, Coco Beach and Castel Plage, respectively. For adventurous sunbathers, there are 2 more gay beaches located outside of the small French town.

Pascal Blachier, Flickr

Rehoboth, Delaware

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Rehoboth, DelawareRehoboth is the quintessential beach town, with dozens of small shops, restaurants that serve up fresh seafood from the Chesapeake Bay, a boardwalk with a few amusement thrills and arcades. Poodle Beach is the gay section on Rehoboth Beach, fittingly located near Queen Street. It can get crowded here during the peak season, but there is an energetic social scene. Lesbians prefer North Shores Beach. And after the beach, most gay men grab a few beers or cocktails at the Aqua Grill or Blue Moon, 2 of the town’s popular gay hangouts.9601280

Rehoboth, DelawareRehoboth is the quintessential beach town, with dozens of small shops, restaurants that serve up fresh seafood from the Chesapeake Bay, a boardwalk with a few amusement thrills and arcades. Poodle Beach is the gay section on Rehoboth Beach, fittingly located near Queen Street. It can get crowded here during the peak season, but there is an energetic social scene. Lesbians prefer North Shores Beach. And after the beach, most gay men grab a few beers or cocktails at the Aqua Grill or Blue Moon, 2 of the town’s popular gay hangouts.